The Pianist, a new musical adaptation of Władysław Szpilman’s memoir, adapted and directed by Thom Southerland, will play as a semi-staged workshop for two performances only at Mayflower Studios from 9-12 April 2025.
For the first time, it will incorporate his original compositions into the musical narrative, with arrangements by Simon Lee. As the music and story of Szpilman finds its life on stage, this is a unique chance to see this work in progress piece.
It is 1946. Władysław Szpilman is writing his memoir. Initially hesitant, his fears dissipate when he is reunited with his memories as they come to life around him.
With a cast of 10 actor-musicians, who will play more than 50 characters, Szpilman encounters his memories, which, to his surprise, appear vividly around him.
Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Chief Executive said, “As part of the artistic vision of Mayflower, we are excited to be developing this new production with co producer, Michael Wolk. As a semi-staged workshop, The Pianist will give Southampton audiences a unique insight into the creative journey of bringing a new musical to the stage with this talented company.”
Daniel Krikler (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Donmar Warehouse); Fiddler on the Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); The Motive and the Cue; The Normal Heart (National Theatre) will play ‘Władysław Szpilman’ and Ben Norris (Co-creator and actor in the Olivier-nominated West End musical The Choir of Man) will play the role of ‘Henryk’ & ‘Ensemble’.
Playing ‘Father’ and also ‘Ensemble’ is Philip Rham (Captain Smith in the Southwark Playhouse, Princess Of Wales Theatre, Toronto, Charing Cross Theatre and UK & Ireland touring productions of Titanic).
Joanna Hickman (Marie in The Nutracker (Reading Rep); Sylvie/Nancy/Sunshine in Harold and Maude (Charing Cross Theatre); Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime (Charing Cross Theatre) is playing ‘Mother & Ensemble’.
Hayley Canham (The Three Musketeers: Trois (Barn Theatre), On Your Bike (Elektronik Theatre); Medea The Musical (Town and Gown Theatre / Edinburgh Fringe); Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Other Palace); The Hard Problem (National Theatre); Ragged Child (Rose Theatre); Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre) will play ‘Regina’ and ‘Ensemble’.
Melania Maggiore (La Bohème, Trouble (International tours), Sister Act (Stage Entertainment production, Milan), Casino Royale by Secret Cinema, London, Midnight by Laurence Mark Wythe and Timothy Knapman (Union Theatre) will play ‘Halina’ & ‘Ensemble’.
Elzbieta Kalicka (The Bear Who Went to War (Albany Theatre); The Mozart Question and The Brothers Grimm present: Cinderella (both at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester); Joan of Arc in JEANNE The Musical (The Turbine Theatre).
Also joining the cast is Angus Tikka, playing ‘Hosenfeld & Ensemble’ and Sophie Lejava, playing ‘Ensemble’.
Musical Director and will be playing piano throughout will be Malcolm Forbes Peckham.
More events coming, please check back soon.